Bellaghy (Derry) 1-15 v Clan Na Gael (Armagh) 3-06

Bellaghy Wolfe Tones defied a strong comeback from Armagh champions Clan Na Gael to secure their place in the final of the 2025 Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club championship at a resplendent Páirc Ghearrdhroma on Saturday afternoon.

Going into the game as slight favourites, Bellaghy were well aware of the challenge posed by a Clan Na Gael side fresh from winning this year’s All-Ireland Féile, and the Armagh boys certainly lived up to that reputation. A free from wing back Oran Glackin gave Bellaghy an early lead, but it was quickly overturned when Clan Na Gael grabbed the first of their three goals, Callum Boyd palming home at the back post after excellent build-up play from chief playmaker Cian McCord.

The inspirational Jarlath McCartney soon levelled matters with a stunning two pointer from all of fifty-five yards. Swapped frees from Aodhan Scullion and Matthew McAdam kept things tight until Bellaghy hit Harry McCavigan’s net through a neat finish from centre forward Oran Doyle.

Clan Na Gaels struggled to gain primary possession from their kickouts during this spell, allowing Bellaghy to enjoy a sustained period of pressure. Another Scullion free was followed by a sublime curling effort from midfielder Gabriel Gormley that drew gasps from the crowd. Gormley, towering and tireless, had a tremendous sixty minutes, dominating aerially and causing numerous turnovers with superb tackling on his way to the MFC Man of the Match award.

JJ O’Hagan, who produced a sterling performance for the Lurgan side throughout, a constant threat that Bellaghy struggled with, opened his account with a fine point, but Bellaghy’s dominance began to show with further scores from Glackin and Ruairi Hull. Brogan O’Kane hit the final point of the opening half to leave Clan Na Gael trailing 1-08 to 1-03 at the interval.

Clan began the second half with real intent, immediately chipping away at the deficit. They were led by the imposing and hugely talented Darragh O’Hagan, remarkably still eligibly for U14 next year. Points from the Darragh, young sibling of JJ, and McCord cut the gap to three before a fine score from full forward Cadhan Rocks, increasingly influential and unlucky earlier when his rasping shot rattled the crossbar, offered temporary relief for a Bellaghy side suddenly under pressure.

A trademark barnstorming run from Darragh O’Hagan looked destined for a goal, and it was, with brother JJ getting the final touch after Darragh’s initial goalbound effort was partially blocked. With the lead down to a single point, the game had ignited. McCartney responded with a superb score, matched by O’Kane, as the game swung from end to end with both teams fighting ferociously for a place in the Ulster final.

Clan Na Gael struck for their third goal to take the lead for the first time since the opening minutes, JJ O’Hagan again showing strength and composure as the bundled through the Bellaghy rearguard before finishing coolly to the bottom corner.

Bellaghy needed answers, and just as they had done against Four Masters and Magheracloone, they found them. Superb defending from Tom McErlain and Fearghal McLarnon ensured no further Clan scores as Bellaghy lifted their intensity. Points from Adam Mulholland and Gormley levelled the game, both sides emptying the tank in an absorbing contest.

A fisted point from Hull with two minutes remaining put the Bellaghy back in front, much to the delight of their huge following, and the outstanding Glackin held his nerve to land a two-point free in injury time to give them breathing space. Bellaghy were forced to survive one last dramatic attack, surviving an incredible goalmouth scramble where JJ O’Hagan was desperately unlucky not to force extra time.

Sean Hurson’s signalled the end of yet another superb contest in this year’s championship. Bellaghy certainly don’t make life easy for their supporters, but their never-say-die attitude and refusal to panic under pressure has earned them a place in next weekend’s Ulster Final. Football was the real winner here, played in great spirit, with both sets of players doing their club and counties proud. Clan Na Gael can certainly hold their heads high in defeat.

Speaking afterwards, an understandably elated Bellaghy manager Francis Glackin was proud of his charges “After the brutal conditions of our quarter-final, we were grateful to be met with far kinder weather for the semi-final against Clan Na Gael. We started brightly, played some strong football in the first half and went in at the break five points ahead. Still, we knew we hadn’t done enough and that Clan na Gael were far too good a side to ever lie down. They came out fighting in the second half and certainly ruffled our feathers, swinging the momentum their way. But our lads dug deep once again, showed real grit when it mattered, and battled their way back. Thankfully, their resilience shone through and delighted to be in the Ulster Final, it will be a massive day for the club.”

Bellaghy – Charlie McFall, Tom Harkin, Tom McErlain, Diarmuid Doherty, Oran Glackin (0-4, 4F), Cian O’Sullivan, Fearghal McLarnon, Gabriel Gormley (0-4), Jartlath McCartney (0-1), Donnacha Scullion, Oran Doyle (1-0), Adam Mulholland (0-1), Ruairi Hull (0-2), Cadhan Rocks (0-1), Aodhan Scullion (0-2, 2F)

Subs: Cathan Loane for Harkin, Mark Og McLarnon for D Scullion, Daniel McElhone for A Scullion,

Clan Na Gael – Harry McCavigan, Michael McConville, Diarmuid Power, Emmet Doran, Darragh O’Hagan (0-1), Brady Martin, Aodhán Campbell, Liam Lavery, Caden Conway, Matthew McAdam (0-1, 1F), Brogan O’Kane (0-2, 1F), JJ O’Hagan (2-1), Callum Boyd (1-0), Dylan McCord, Cian McCord (0-1)

Subs: Benas Petronis for Power, Ciaran Smyth for C McCord

Referee – Sean Hurson (Tyrone)